Jospeh William Billy Johnson was the Elias of Africa. He is known here as "Billy Johnson". He came upon the teachings of the Church in 1964. His friend Dr. Mensah, gave him a pamphlet on Joseph Smith and the Restoration. After reading it and feeling the spirit bear testimony of its truth he asked his friend if he had anything more. He gave him a book: The Book of Mormon. Billy Johnson had seen this book in a dream and so excitedly took the book and read it. After reading the Book of Mormon, he felt he had found truth. "One morning, at about five o'clock, I got up and prepared for the day's work. I decided to follow Jame 1:5 as did Joseph. When I knelt to pray, I felt transmitted away. I saw the heavens open, and for the first time I saw angels singing praises to God and blowing trumpets. In the course of this experience I heard my name called three times…‘Johnson, Johnson, Johnson. If you will take up my work as I will command you, I will bless you and bless your land.’ Trembling and in tears, I replied, ‘Lord, with thy help I will do whatsoever you will command me.'"
That was the beginning of Billy Johnson preparing Ghana for the church. Over the next 14 years he went door to door to tell people about the restoration of the gospel. He set up 10 congregations in Ghana. These early pioneer saints waited patiently for the missionaries to come to their land so they could be baptised with authority and confirmed members of the church. It was difficult to endur the refusals of their requests for missionaries, but visions and dreams kept them true to their faith. They were spiritually supported by the preaching of Billy Johnson.
Finally in 1978 missionaries came to Ghana. Today there are close to 40,000 members. A temple blesses the latter-day saints' lives here in Ghana and extends every blessing the Lord has to offer, to these faithful people.
Forty-five years since first hearing about the gospel, Billy Johnson's testimony is strong. He has been a temple worker and an active patriarch until about 9 months ago when he was put on emeritus status because of health. Ghana will never forget him. When he passes from this life the prophets who strengthened him to endur, will line up to embrace him.
4 comments:
Wow...I recognized him immediately from the church videos. That is quite the celebrity photo.
What an awesome picture!!! I have read so much about him! What an amazing and blessed man!
I've heard a lot about him from a BYU professor who spent many years with the saints in Africa. That's neat to see you with him and hear his story.
Beautiful post! There are many members from Africa in our ward here in England. They always amaze me with their strong testimonies and great faith. They truly are beautiful people as you see their spirits shine.
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